This free Virtual Learning Community (VLC) is sponsored by the Opioid Response Network. The VLC features a series of six 1-hour sessions with subject matter experts on a bi-weekly basis. The format for each session includes a brief presentation on the topic and then a discussion and Q&A session with the presenter.

Register once for the entire series; attendance at all 6 sessions is highly encouraged. This is a learning cohort model where participants are encouraged to be engaged in the discussion, ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from your peers.
(NOTE: If all of the dates of this series do not work for you, please consider waiting until the next VLC is offered. We plan to offer it two more times this year.)

Please see the descriptions below for a more comprehensive description of each session:

Topic: Words Matter: Utilizing Powerful Language to Eliminate Stigma
Date/Time: July 6, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Faces & Voices of Recovery
Description: Language is our most powerful tool when combating the effects of stigma within the recovery community. This session will focus on how to utilize our words to create greater inclusivity, apply strategies to destigmatize individuals with Substance Use Disorder, and perform language audits within your organization.

Topic: Motivational Interviewing Skills that Promote Peer Empowerment
Date/Time: July 13, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Thomas Jaeger, Motivational Interviewing Expert
Description: Persuasion vs. Empowerment! This session will be an overview of the skills and techniques that give peers in recovery the tools and confidence to make their own healthy choices. Participants will gain an understanding of dynamic techniques such as reflective listening, using open-ended & meaningful questions, and the guiding principles of motivational Interviewing.

Topic: Compassion Fatigue: The Impact of Burnout & Secondary Trauma
Date/Time: July 20, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Brandi Vore, Interim Executive Director Oklahoma Citizen Advocates for Recovery & Treatment Association (OCARTA)
Description: As Recovery Support Service Providers, we are not immune to the effects of stress and secondary trauma. This exceptional session will provide an overview of the skills necessary to maintain your ability to respond to peers with empathy and compassion, create healthy boundaries, develop a concrete self-care plan & learn valuable warning signs of STS and Compassion Fatigue.

Topic: Ethical Recovery Support Service Guidelines
Date/Time: July 27, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Dr. VonZell Wade, Co-founder of Lost Dreams Awakening
Description: In this session, we will explore topics such as morals, values, healthy boundaries, and governing behaviors that are pertinent to work as a recovery support service provider. This engaging conversation will allow you to begin to understand how federal, state, and local laws along with your personal core values, impact your organization as well as your community.

Topic: What is an RCO? Supporting Recovery Communities with Authenticity, Vision & Accountability
Date/Time: August 3, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Honesty Liller, Chief Executive Officer of The McShin Foundation
Description: What is an RCO? This overview will touch on important topics including RCO best practices, tips to recruit the recovery community and allies to support your organization, creating a vision for your RCO which exemplifies your hopes and invites community stakeholders and offers opportunities to express a collective voice within your community.

Topic: Creating a Thriving Organization
Date/Time: August 10, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Fawn Montanye
Description: Thriving organizations make work enjoyable, have higher employee retention, and constantly strive to be the best for the communities they serve! This session will give you an overview of what a healthy work environment looks like, practical ways to reduce workplace conflict and turnover, and allow you to apply new skills to support staff and volunteer wellness.

 

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI083343 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.